Denmark - Pensions and benefits
If you have lived or worked in Denmark and in Canada, or you are the survivor of someone who has lived or worked in Denmark and in Canada, you may be eligible for pensions or benefits from Denmark or Canada, or both.
The Agreement on Social Security between Canada and Denmark came into force on January 1, 1986.
Available benefits
If you contributed to both the Canada Pension Plan and the Danish pension program, or if you lived in Canada and Denmark, this agreement may help you qualify for:
- Canadian old age and disability benefits
- Danish old age and disability benefits
If you are the widow, widower or child of a person who contributed to the pension programs of both countries, this agreement may help you qualify for:
- Canadian survivor benefits
- Danish survivor benefits
You may qualify for a Canadian or Danish benefit, or both. However, under the Agreement, the benefit paid by each country will be based solely on your creditable periods under that country’s pension program. In other words, Canada will pay a benefit amount reflecting the portion of your periods that are creditable under Canada's pension program, and Denmark will pay a benefit amount reflecting the portion of your creditable periods under Denmark's pension program.
Eligibility
Canadian benefits
The Canadian pension programs included in the Agreement are the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the Old Age Security (OAS) program.
If you do not qualify for a Canada Pension Plan benefit based on your contributions to the CPP, Canada will consider periods of contribution to the pension program of Denmark as periods of contribution to the Canada Pension Plan.
If you do not qualify for an Old Age Security pension based on your years of residence in Canada, Canada will consider periods of residence in Denmark after March 31, 1957 and after the age of 18 as periods of residence in Canada.
Note: Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) contributors
The Government of Canada's international social security agreements cover Old Age Security and Canada Pension Plan benefits only. If you contribute or have contributed to the QPP but not to the CPP, please consult the Quebec Pension Plan.
Danish benefits
The pension program of Denmark consists of the Social Pensions Act and the Labour Market Supplementary Pension (ATP) Scheme. The Social Pensions Act provides benefits based on residence. The Scheme, on the other hand, covers most employed and self-employed persons in Denmark.
To qualify for a benefit under the pension program of Denmark, you normally must have lived in Denmark or contributed to the program for a minimum period. In addition, to qualify for a benefit under the Social Pensions Act outside Denmark, you must also be a Danish citizen.
If you are a Canadian citizen, under the Agreement you can receive a Danish benefit while residing in Canada.
Apply
Print and complete one of the following application forms:
If you live in Canada
If you live in Canada and want to apply for Canadian benefits, consult the Pensions in Canada.
If you live in Canada and want to apply for Danish benefits:
Attach any necessary supporting documents, and return the application form to a Service Canada Centre, or mail it to:
International Operations
Service Canada
PO Box 250
Fredericton NB E3B 4Z6
Canada
If you live in Denmark
If you live in Denmark and want to apply for Canadian benefits:
- Denmark/Canada Agreement - Application for Canadian Old Age, Retirement and Survivor Benefits (ISP5054-DNK)
- Denmark/Canada Agreement - Application for CPP Child's Benefits (ISP5055-DNK)
- Denmark/Canada Agreement - Application for CPP Disability Benefits (ISP5053-DNK)
Attach any necessary supporting documents, and return the application form to a social security office in Denmark, or mail it to:
International Operations
Service Canada
PO Box 250
Fredericton NB E3B 4Z6
Canada
Denmark’s social security
Resources
- Agreement on Social Security between Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark
- General overview of Denmark's social security system
- Information on programs and services for Canadians living abroad
- Information on contributing to the Canada Pension Plan while working abroad and contact information for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Note: The Agreement
This page contains general information on the Agreement on Social Security between Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark and may not describe all the provisions that apply to your situation. If you have any questions, please contact us. In the case of a discrepancy between this page and the Agreement, the wording and provisions of the Agreement will prevail.
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